An exploratory study of supplier selection and evaluation techniques

The increasing importance assigned to supplier relationship management has alerted firms about how to select their suppliers. Since companies are focusing on their core competencies and relying on suppliers so as to have more competitive advantage in their processes, selecting and monitoring suppliers have been shown to be strategic activities that can provide continuous improvement in the supply chain. Thus, this paper investigated how Brazilian companies in the food sector have been selecting and monitoring their suppliers and whether or not they are applying advanced tools and techniques. The findings offer useful insights as to what further improvements regarding such activities might best be explored.